I live life by a few simple principles gleaned from Hollywood.
For example:
- Don’t eat vegetables after midnight… or before midnight… pretty much just don’t eat vegetables.
- Always wear your anti-sea rhinoceros undergarments.
- Never go in against a Sicilian when death is on the line.
Baskin-Robbins wants to add another rule involving Sicily to the list with its February Flavor of the Month, Cannoli Be With You Ice Cream. With mascarpone ice cream, cannoli shell pieces, chocolate chips and pistachios, having this cannoli on hand sounds like a great addition.
The mascarpone cheese base might be the best and creamiest ice cream I’ve sampled at Baskin-Robbins. With a light touch of sweetness, it is rich, buttery and smooth; the perfect backdrop for the accompanying flavors. Things improve with the milk chocolate chips that are neither too sweet, nor too bitter but just right — no anti-sea bear circle required.
If this were simply a mascarpone ice cream with chocolate chips, it would earn high marks for its simple but delicious execution. Dismayingly, both the cannoli shell and the pistachio pieces took the wrong lesson about hiding from a nuke in a fridge. The cannoli pieces’ texture is that of soggy corn flakes with about as impactful a flavor. The pistachios are rare, though large and overpowering, and hold no roasted notes I can detect. Crushed pistachios would create more consistency and balance bringing it closer to the genuine article.
With a fantastic first impression made by the mascarpone and chocolate chips, I’m disappointed in this flavor given its potential. A cannoli is a balance of distinct flavors that create a cohesive treat which is not the case here.
New rule for Baskin-Robbins: Never go in against a Sicilian when a cannoli is on the line.
Purchased Price: $2.39
Size: Small scoop (2.5 oz.)
Rating: 6 out of 10
Nutrition Facts: (Small Scoop) 180 calories, 11 grams of fat, 7 grams of saturated fat, 0 grams trans fat, 30 milligrams of cholesterol, 55 milligrams of sodium, 17 grams of carbohydrates, 12 grams of sugar, 1 gram of dietary fiber and 3 grams of protein.